5The Norris Lake Area Trail System (NATS) managing partners are sponsoring a Mountain Bike Poker Run to raise funds for trail construction and maintenance within the trail system.

This event is designed for riders of most skill levels and focuses on fun rather than competition. There are two route options, both featuring single-track trails along with sections of gravel and asphalt, and including a few challenging climbs along the way.

Awards will be given based on participants’ poker hands not on speed or order of completion. 

Short Route Option – Up to 17 Miles / 2505 ft of climbing – CLICK FOR MAP
The route is primarily single track but also has some doubletrack and gravel. There are a couple of brief technical sections on the route, including one approximately 100 ft in length that is heavily covered in roots. There are nine sustained climbs on the route and seven lengthy descents.

Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. Riders may begin the route after checking in; however, all riders must start the run by 10:00 a.m.

Long Route Option – Up to 23 Miles / 3,835 ft of climbing – CLICK FOR MAP
The route is primarily single track, with some doubletrack and gravel. There are three technical sections, including two approximately 100 ft in length. One is heavily covered in roots and the other is very rocky. There are 14 sustained climbs and nine lengthy descents on the route.

Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Riders may begin the route after checking in; however, all riders must start the run by 9:00 a.m.

When choosing your route, please take into consideration that the trails include 200 to 340 feet of elevation change.

Participants under the age of 18 must have a release signed by a legal guardian. Participants under the age of 16 must have a release signed by a legal guardian, and said legal guardian must accompany the child on the run.

REGISTRATION: Pre-register before April 2, 2026, for $35. If registered on or before April 2nd, participants will receive a t-shirt in their requested size and a ticket for a post-run beverage provided by Clinch River Brewing.

Register after April 3, 2026, for $40. If registered on or after April 3rd, participants will receive a t-shirt on a first-come basis as long as supplies last. Participants will receive a ticket for a post-run beverage provided by Clinch River Brewing.

The post-run beverage options include one of two options of beer or bottled soft drinks or water.
Refunds will not be given. All Registration will be online. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Boxed Lunch: A pre-ordered lunch option will be available this year. For an additional $20, participants may add a boxed lunch to their registration. Lunch will be prepared by Clinch River Brewing and will include your choice of an Italian sando or a pimento cheese croissant, along with chips and a beverage. Boxed lunches will be available for pickup upon your return from the run. Participants who do not pre-order lunch are welcome to order and purchase food directly from the brewery after they return. If you purchase the optional lunch and the event is cancelled (not rescheduled), you will receive a $20 gift certificate to Clinch River Brewing.  

SEVERE WEATHER: Please note that the event will be delayed from April 25, 2026, to May 9, 2026 if severe weather (meaning thunderstorms with high winds and lightning) is forecasted for April 25, 2026.

BE SURE TO READ THE EVENT DETAILS AND PROCEDURES BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THE EVENT. 

Questions: If you have any questions before the event, please email info@norrislakeproject.com or call 865-659-2829. If you have questions on the day of the event, please call 865-659-2829. Email will not be monitored on the day of the event.